2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships Bienvenue à nouveau aux maîtres d’haltérophilie canadiens !

Team Canada
EN
FR

2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships

Welcome back Canadian Masters Weightlifters!

 

 

It may have been a small Canadian group at the 2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships, only 24 members, but they were strong contenders against the more numerous national groups.  But that is understandable considering the financial investment in such international participation.

 

Special thanks are extended to each athlete who connected with another team member to help them transition into their new competitive environment. Guy Greavette volunteered countless hours to helping not only members of the BC group of Vikings Weightlifts, but also to any member when time permitted.  Also, a thank you to Gordon Yard, who in collaboration with Guy Greavette, designed, worked with Fraser Valley Cresting in Abbotsord, BC, and arranged for delivery of Team T-shirts to our athletes.

 

Many of our members medaled; Five Golds, three Silvers five Bronzes. Four members broke Canadian Masters Records and World Masters Records: Judy Quinn, Frances Robson, Elaine Mori, Gord Yard. Alain Bilodeau and Tin Ly broke Canadian Masters Records. Two members were awarded best lifters in their age category: Gord Yard, Mens 60-64, and Alain Bilodeau, Mens 55-59.

 

Our Womens Team was awarded Third Place at the 2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships. Our heartiest congratulations to Jeanette Perry, Yael Barak, Carol Akasaka, Stella Purac, Martine Larvière, Cybèle Lanthier, Elaine Mori, Frances Robson, Ruth Stewart, and Judy Quinn. Carol Akasaka was appointed as the Guardian of the Award and will “guard”/keep this Award until further notice from WCHM.

 

With perhaps some rest and sharing their experiences on their social networks, our athletes are no doubt developing their workout programs in preparation for some remaining provincial open competitions of 2024. I know many will be all hyped up for their 2025 Provincial Masters Championships which take place between February and April.

 

2024 Grand Masters U45

Michelle Page.2024.U45 Grand Master(1)
EN
FR

2024 Grand Masters U45 (Under 45)

 

Beginning this year, WCHM initiated a Grand Masters Award to athletes who are in the age categories up to and including Age Category 40-44. The current SMF and SHMF, though representing a needed improvement from the Sinclair Formula and eventually with an upgrade to include Women athletes, still makes it exceedingly difficult for athletes in these categories to acquire formulated totals needed to win a Grand Masters Award. The Grand Masters U45 was created to address this shortcoming in our current ranking formulae for Masters.

 

The two recipients of the 2024 U45 Grand Masters' awards were James Johnson of 646 Weightlifting Club in Toronto, Ontario, and Michelle Page of Battlefield Strength in Hamilton, Ontario.

 

Michelle and James received their Awards after competing at the 2024 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships in Rouyn-Noranda in July. Here is Michelle displaying WCHM’s first Womens U45 Grand Master Award.

 

Congratulations are extended to Michelle Page and James Johnson, their coaches and sponsor Cégep Abitibi Témiscamingue and Club Halterophilie Hercales de Rouyn Noranda.

 

WCHM Member inducted into IMWA Hall of Fame

IMWA Hall of Fame Plaque Judy Quinn.2024
EN
FR

JUDITH QUINN

IMWA Hall of Fame Inductee

 

 

 

Judy was born in 1948 in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.  She was first introduced into Olympic Weightlifting at Variety Village, Toronto, while exercising with a friend, became interested and started her lifting journey at age 50.  The journey continues to this day.

 

Judy has participated in fifteen World Masters Championships over a span of twenty-five years, earning thirteen gold medals and one bronze medal, so far, as well as eleven gold medals at Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships.  She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame  of both Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters and the Pan American Masters Weightlifting Federation.

 

Judy has also contributed of masters weightlifting by serving as the Records Secretary and Membership Secretary of Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters for many years, and currently operates Garden City Weightlifting Club in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, a club that has existed for over fifty years.  This club originally started by Donald Schoures.

 

After induction in the World Masters Weightlifting Hall of Fame, Judy’s only remaining goal is to compete at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships when she is eighty years old.

WCHM/IMWA 2024/09/07

Calgary to host 2025 Canadian Weightlifting Championships

press release
EN
FR

Alberta Weightlifting Association and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters

Announce Calgary as Host City for 2025 Canadian Masters Nationals

 

Calgary, Alberta — The Alberta Weightlifting Association (AWA) and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters

(WCHM) are delighted to announce that AWA has been selected as the host organization for WCHM’s 2025 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships, which will take place on June 27 to 29, 2025 at the Genesis Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

 

"I am pleased to announce that AWA will be hosting the 2025 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships,” commented Mark Gomes, President of WCHM. “This marks a historic first for a provincial weightlifting organization to host these Championships. The Alberta Weightlifting Association is to be congratulated for taking this bold step in inter-weightlifting organizational collaboration."

 

AWA’s bid proposal was in partnership with Tourism Calgary and is anticipated to bring over 350 masters athletes, coaches, technical officials and volunteers from across Canada. “Canadian Masters Nationals have typically been in mid-July for us, but when AWA proposed an earlier timing that leads into Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most iconic events plus the proximity to the Canadian Rockies, we were very excited about this,” continues Gomes. “Our masters athletes often coincide vacation planning with their competitions and when our national championship hasn’t been out west in eight years, the timing is perfect to kick-off the summer and is a great opportunity for athletes to stay and vacation after.” Calgary Stampede in 2025 will be July 4 through 13.

 

“We’re thrilled that Calgary has been selected to host this prestigious event,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President of Sales with Tourism Calgary. “We look forward to welcoming participants during a time of year when our community spirit and warm western hospitality are on full display leading into the Calgary Stampede. There is no better time of year to experience the vibrancy and activity in Calgary and we look forward to hosting everyone.” The Canadian Weightlifting Masters Championship is the premier annual event for Canadian master weightlifters ages 30 to 99 years old. This competition represents the pinnacle of achievement in our sport at the national level for masters weightlifters, many of whom go on to compete at Pan-AM Masters Championship, World Masters Championships or World Masters Games.

 

“Weightlifting is one of the oldest sports, with a rich history dating back to ancient times having been part of the Olympic movement since the first modern Games in 1896,” remarked Alana Yim, President of the Alberta Weightlifting Association. “We’re excited to bring our communities together to share our passion for weightlifting with more Albertans and Canadians and promote health and wellness whether you’re nine years old or 99 years old. It’s truly a sport for all ages and abilities.”

 

Olympic weightlifting is a dynamic and highly skilled sport that involves two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Athletes lift a weighted barbell from the ground to overhead in a series of powerful and precise movements, showcasing strength, speed, and technique. Recognized for its emphasis on explosive power and athleticism, Olympic weightlifting is not only a competitive sport but also a popular training method for enhancing overall fitness and athletic performance.

 

Alberta Weightlifting Association and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters

Announce Calgary as Host City for 2025 Canadian Masters Nationals

 

 

About Alberta Weightlifting Association

Established in 1958 and incorporated in 1974, Alberta Weightlifting Association is the governing body for the sport of Olympic weightlifting in Alberta. AWA promotes safe sport, fair play, and dope-free principles and provides a range of services to its members, including hosting competitions, development and certification pathways for coaches and technical officials, and athlete development programs. AWA is federated under the national sports organization (NSO) Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie and adheres to the rules of the International Weightlifting Federation. AWA is a not-for-profit organization that operates under an all-volunteer Executive elected by AWA members.

 

About Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters  

Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters  (WCHM) is a federally incorporated, not-for-profit, Canadian sports organization dedicated to the promotion and development of Masters Olympic weightlifting across Canada, and is affiliated with the International Masters Weightlifting Association (IMWA). WCHM fosters a spirit of equity and fair play while encouraging a lifelong commitment to fitness and health. WCHM organizes national competitions and events, provides resources and support for athletes, coaches, and officials, and collaborates with provincial associations to enhance the weightlifting community. WCHM is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes athletes of all ages and skill levels including adaptive athletes competing as para weightlifters.

 

Tourism Calgary

Tourism Calgary is the official destination management organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally, and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions, and events, and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $2.9 billion.

 

For more information, please contact:

Alana Yim

President

Alberta Weightlifting Association

E: president@albertaweightlifting.com

Mark Gomes

President

Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters Federation

E: president@wchmasters.org

 

Manon Poulin – Récipiendaire du Prix de Réalisation de Durée de Vie 2024 de la WCHM

Manon Poulin accepts Lifetime Achievement Award
EN
FR

Manon Poulin - Recipient of the 2024 WCHM Lifetime Achievement Award

 

Manon Poulin joined the Canadian Masters Weightlifters in its early days. Since becoming a member in 1999, Manon has been a strong presence on the national and international scene as one of our most admired ambassadors.

 

Not only is Manon an active member of Club Relève, Québec, but also its president and head coach since 2018. Manon has coached many masters weightlifters, helped organize several competitions (such as the 2006 Pan American Weightlifting Championships in St-Sauveur) and serves as an international technical official of Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie.

 

However, Manon is primarily known for her success as a Masters Weightlifter. She has competed in fifteen Canadian Masters Championships, winning many golds as well as fifteen World Masters Championships. Her accomplishments have earned her three Hall of Fame Awards, from Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters, the Pan American Masters Weightlifting Federation, and the IMWA (International Masters Weightlifting Association).

 

Over her years with WCHM, Manon has broken 21 records (Snatch 8, Clean and Jerk 7, and Total 6). Manon was recently appointed, along with André Boutin, as the Quebec Representatives for WCHM and continues to be a very special person with the Canadian Masters. Congratulations, Manon Poulin. Your family at Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters is very proud of you and your accomplishments in our sport of Masters Weightlifting.

Grands Maîtres 2024 Grand Masters

Isabelle as Grand Master
EN
FR

GRAND MASTERS 2024

 

Another National Championship has concluded with great success. WCHM wishes to thank Club Héracles of Rouyn-Noranda for their exemplary organization of this event. The Grand Masters Awards are determined by recognizing the highest SM(H)M points of all the participating athletes. All athletes are eligible for the Grand Masters Award , however only athletes within the 30-44 age categories are eligible for the U45 Grand Masters Award. The U45 is a new WCHM initiative that recognizes the athleticism, dedication and commitment of the younger members of the WCHM Masters weightlifting community.

 

This year the Grand Master of the Women is Isabelle Gauthier from Montreal’s Club Re-Lève and coached by Evgueni Romanov. This year’s Grand Master of the Men is Marcel Perron, from Montreal’s Club Halt-Héros. Isabelle and Marcel are not new to the Masters weightlifting awarded community. They have both been the recipient of numerous masters weightlifting awards both nationally and internationally.
We welcome our new Grand Masters, the U45. This year’s Grand Master of the Women is Michelle Page of Hamilton. Michelle is from Club Battlefield Strength and credits her coach Cody Taylor for all his enthusiasm and hard work helping her reach her goals.

 

The U45 Grand Master for the Men is James Johnson. James is coached by Paul Medeiros at Toronto’s 646 Weightlifting Club. Weightlifting Club 646 is another Ontario Weightlifting Association club that is proud to have Masters members pursuing their aspirations to competitively participate in provincial, national and international masters weightlifting events.

 

For this level of successful masters athletes, we can be assured that all Grand Masters are trained by well experienced coaches in welcoming weightlifting clubs and supported by their Provincial Weightlifting Associations. So, final kudos to Fédération d’Haltérophilie du Québec and to Ontario Weightlifting Association for supporting and promoting all of their weightlifting clubs.

Are you ready to be a U45 Best Lifter? Êtes-vous prêt à être un U45 Meilleur haltérophile ?

best weightlifter revised
EN
FR

Are You ready to be a U45 Best Weightlifter?

Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters has created a new award at the Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships. This award is aimed at acknowledging a group of Masters athletes who have done extraordinarily well at our National Masters Championships but when factoring in their bodyweight and age categories, they have never been able to capture the title of Best Weightlifter.

 

In addition to the Best Weightlifter at the Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships, WCHM will introduce the U45 Best Weightlifter for Women and Men. The age categories included are those from age 30 to age 44; that is, the oldest age group is Category 40-44. This entire group of U45 masters is composed of three age categories, 30-34, 35-39, and 40-44. And yes, it is theoretically possible, but difficult, for the Championship’s Best Weightlifter to also be a U45 Best Weightlifter.

 

WCHM looks forward to providing this award to its younger members of the Canadian masters weightlifting community competing at its National Masters Championships.

 

M Gomes
June 6, 2024

2024 Pan Am Masters

Article picture.Heureux haltérophiles de la belle province
EN
FR

Our proud Canadian athletes at the 2024 Pan Am Masters Weightlifting Championships

 

Canadian athletes were off to a great start at the 2024 Pan Am Masters Weightlifting Championships, and managed five gold medals ( Madeleine Waterfield, Martine Lariviere and Manon Poulin, Karen Lander, Marcel Perron) and three silver medals (Yael Barak, Frances Robson, Michel Piétracupa). Marcel Perron (M90/67kg)broke two World Masters Records: Clean and Jerk 45 kg and Total of 89kg.) Congratulations Marcel!

 

The excitement continued on the second day. Since the referee result lights were not visible, the announcers’ voices were somewhat muffled, and athletes’ names and countries were not visible, it was difficult to ascertain if a lift was deemed a “good lift” or a “no lift” or from which nation the athlete was representing. A Canadian weightlifting singlet or some kind of Canadian symbol would have been helpful. André Boutin and Behzad Allahyari began the day with great form and consistent technique. Later, Tin Ly had some negative calls made on his lifts, but he persevered and showed the 92 kg Clean and Jerk who was boss. Claude Caouette, handled the stress of platform performance as usual and made the solid lifts as we are used to see him performing. Claude presents himself well as a sociable and amiable Canadian team member. CassandraExn er-Williams demonstrated consistent technique and performed very well.

 

Although the wearing of the Canadian Masters singlet (any version) is not mandatory, our athletes are expected to display a representational symbol of our great nation. This not only shows which country we represent, but it also makes it easier for those viewing and/or recording the live feed to quickly know when the athlete is from Canada. Bravo to all those who displayed their Canadian identities!!

 

On the second day of competition Canadian athletes received six gold medals ( Rosalie Larouche, André Boutin, Behzad Allahyari, Claude Caouette, Tin Ly, and Warren Troy), two silver medals (Cassandra Exner-Williams, and Krystal Ludlow), and two bronze medals ( Aude Bernard and Jamie Schaan).

 

The third day of the Championships was hot day in San José as well as on the competition platform. A gold medal was awarded to Craig Astle, silver medal to Craig Gilbert, and bronze medals to Tracey Stein and Joanie Ouellet. On the last day of the Championships there were three remaining athletes, Guillaume Arcand, Richelle Foster and Dawn Schum, who wrapped up the Canadian contingent for this year’s Pan Am Masters Championships. Dawn Schum won a gold medal, and Richelle Foster won a silver medal.

 

A few of our athletes were not able to total, but still did admirably well. One athlete was delayed arriving to his weigh-in due to adverse weather conditions. He was allowed to compete as a guest and had a very decent total. These athletes were successful at completing all six of their attempts: Christina Quaile, Isabelle Brochu, Martine Lariviere, Karen Lander, André Boutin and Michel Piétracupa. These athletes were all in the 30 top highest ranking (in order): Marcel Perron, Craig Astle, Rosalie Larouche, Joannie Ouelette, Yael Barak, and Claude Caouette.

 

All participating athletes are eligible for Hall of Fame points and the President’s Attollo Award.  Awards – WCHMasters.

 

Congratulations to the Womens Team on their Second Place Award: Joanie Ouelette, Dawn Schum, Jil Reid, Tracey Stein, Rosalie Laurin-Larouche, Yael Barak, Sue Jones, Manon Poulin, Madeleine Waterfield, and Frances Robson. Madeleine Waterfield is the Guardian of the Team Award.

 

Congratulations to the Mens Team for giving it their best efforts despite the absence of a few members: Marcel Perron, Craig Astle, Behzad Allahyari, Craig Gilbert, Tin Ly, Peter Rohne, Claude Caouette, Michel Piétracupa, John Florento and André Boutin.

 

Next year’s Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships will be hosted in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the Crowne Plaza from May 14-18.

 

M Gomes, WCHM President

2024.06.02

Article picture.Madeleine, Martine, Manon

Adaptive Athlete Inclusion

Genny Tidwell
EN
FR

Adaptive Inclusivity in Weightlifting

October 26, 2023
M. Gomes

“Adaptive Inclusivity in Weightlifting” includes, but not limited to, WCHM and its members, WCH and its Provincial Weightlifting Association affiliates and weightlifting clubs’ collective willingness to invite adaptive athletes into their respective weightlifting communities and to nurture their growth as active members of those communities. This can be done through supporting clubs who show interest in coaching adaptive athletes or that already have adaptive athletes as members; implementing existing sections on the coaching of adaptive athletes in their coach training education (WCH Coach Course); initiatives of each PWA to seek out and apply for provincial sports grants to assist their promotion of masters para weightlifting among their registered clubs; and creative membership fee structure for adaptive athletes joining our communities.

Including the Adaptive Athlete. What do you think?

The IWF and its NSOs do not promote or support the inclusion of adaptive athletes as para weightlifters. Though they may be few in numbers, adaptive athletes must be welcomed into our communities. Sports Canada presents a more inclusive position on adaptive athlete inclusion and encourages its National Sports Organizations to follow their lead. WCHM has stepped forward and though it can only promote para weightlifting at the Masters level, its Para Weightlifting Rules and Regulations have been adopted by many National Masters Weightlifting Federations/organizations as well as the IMWA and its international masters federations like the Pan American
Masters and the European Masters.

 

I encourage individual weightlifters, their coaches and clubs, and their Provincial Weightlifting Associations to approach adaptive athlete inclusion with an open mind and a genuine readiness to promote this inclusivity in their own unique and creative ways.

 

Adaptive athletes are already out there participating in various Canadian Para Sports. Many of these athletes fully understand the benefits of strength training. There are many skills and attitudes that adaptive athletes can contribute to our sport. If we truly believe our sport of Weightlifting can accommodate all individuals, then we cannot deprive adaptive athletes of participating with us.

 

WCHM is aware that there is no such sport called “Para Weightlifting.” However, in the decades to come, interest among national and international adaptive weightlifters will increase to the point that a sport called “Para Weightlifting” will emerge and take its rightful place in the Para Sport Community.

 

Think about the following statements and share your level of readiness with each other in order to generate discussion about the inclusion of adaptive athletes into weightlifting. The WCHM President welcomes your thoughts, concerns, ideas and suggestion. If/when contributing to this discussion, please use attollo@hotmail.com    Adaptive-Athlete-Resources_English.pdf (wchmasters.org)

 

Adaptive Athlete Inclusion – What do you think?

Individuals

1. I welcome the inclusion of an adaptive athlete(s) into our weightlifting club.

2. I have examined the WCHM Para Weightlifting section of the WCHM website.

3. After examining the WCHM Para Weightlifting website information, I support the inclusion of Masters Para Weightlifters.

4. I would like to help our Coach train an adaptive/para weightlifter.

5. If given an opportunity, I would invite an adaptive athlete into our weightlifting club.

6. I would like to see a new para sport called “para weightlifting” either as part of WCHM or WCH.

 

Club Coaches

1. I welcome the inclusion of an adaptive athlete(s) into our weightlifting club.

2. I have viewed the WCHM Para Weightlifting section of the WCHM website.

3. After examining the WCHM Para Weightlifting website information, I support the inclusion of Masters Para Weightlifters.

4. I would be amenable to training an adaptive/para weightlifter.

5. Our gym has the physical capacity to include an adaptive/para weightlifter.

6. I have or can adjust our club coaching schedule to accommodate an adaptive/para weightlifter.

7. I have some experience coaching/training an adaptive athlete(s).

8. I would be interested in upgrading my adaptive athlete coaching skills if offered by my Provincial Weightlifting Association.

 

Provincial Weightlifting Association Officials

1. We welcome the inclusion of adaptive athletes into our weightlifting clubs.

2. We have viewed the WCHM Para Weightlifting section of the WCHM website.

3. After examining the WCHM Para Weightlifting website information, we support the inclusion of Masters Para Weightlifters.

4. We would be amenable to working with WCH Coach Educators in our Province to include the education of coaches in the area of adaptive/para weightlifting.

5. We currently have a program(s) for individuals with physical challenges.

6. We would be prepared to seek out Provincial Sports Funding to promote para weightlifting in our province.

7. We are prepared to include adaptive athletes as Para Weightlifters in our open weightlifting competitions.

8. We are prepared to work with WCH Coaching Educators in ensuring that adaptive coaching topics are included.